Grape Expectations: 5 Tips on Buying Great Wine Like a Professional

Few beverage categories are as heavily scrutinized, structured, and influential as wine.

Sommelier courses are some of the most sought-after food and beverage certifications. Well-heeled individuals stock wine as part of their investment portfolio. Even food and wine pairings, with all the rules, can be an intimidating task.

But as the experts in the most popular alcohol shop in Abu Dhabi will tell you, choosing wine doesn’t have to be stressful.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or just an incredible wine to pair with a weekday dinner, below highlights five easy to follow tips, making wine more approachable.

Start with white or rosé wine

If you have no prior knowledge of wine culture, sweet white or rosé wine is a good starting point.

These types of wines are an excellent introduction to the world of wines. Often described as having a fruity aroma and sweet-tart flavor, sweet white or rosé wines will allow you to develop a greater appreciation for wine as you explore the broader world of wines.

Popular white and rosé wines to consider when starting out include Moscato, Muscat, Sauternes, German Riesling, and Zinfandel.

Don’t buy based on price

When it comes to wine, price doesn’t always equate to quality. Just because a wine is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be enjoyable, particularly for novices. When selecting a bottle of wine, also go for wines that have the flavors you prefer.

For example, if you enjoy your coffee bitter and black, chances are, you’ll enjoy a complex and rich Old World red wine like a cabernet Sauvignon or chardonnay.

Some of the best alcohol deals in Abu Dhabi or Dubai will also allow you to purchase and try several wine types that you would typically pass on. This is a great way to explore new flavors and tastes and perhaps uncover a hidden gem.

Look to time-tested food and wine pairings

If you’re just getting started, knowing some tried-and-true wine pairings can help you build your confidence and show off your wine knowledge to your friends. To help you make some quick recommendations when hosting a dinner party, here are some general rules to remember.

Red wines are best paired with richly flavored and juicy meats like steaks. White wines, on the other hand, are typically served with light-intensity or white meats such as chicken or fish. Sparkling wines or champagne make excellent choices when served with salty dishes like caviar or smoked meats.

Some common pairings to try include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon with garlic- and herb-crusted lamb chops
• Malbec with spicy-sweet barbeque grilled chicken drumsticks
• Sauvignon Blanc and whole fish roasted with potatoes and thyme
• Moscato and fruit desserts
• Dry rosé and a grilled cheese sandwiches
• Champagne and brie-style cheeses

Know your wine terms

An essential aspect of selecting great wine is communicating your wine preferences. Knowing if you’re a fruit or earth lover or if you prefer dry or sweet wine will go a long way in discovering a wine that you’ll enjoy over and over again.

While there is a whole dictionary of the terminology you could pour over, for those starting out, here are the most commonly used wine terms you should know:

• Sweetness: Every wine has a certain amount of residual sugar due to the natural grape sugars left as part of the fermentation process. While the grape type determines the sweetness, winemakers can also control how sweet their wine is.
• Tannin: Tannins are naturally occurring preservatives found in wines, most commonly red wines. Tannins give wine its bitterness, astringency, and complexity. Younger or unbalanced wines typically have high tannin, resulting in a more bitter taste.
• Fruit-forward: A style or tasting descriptor, fruit-forward or fruit-driven wines emphasize the “fruitiness” flavor at the front of your palate. Fruit-forward wines are typically seen as simple and not overly complicated. If you like your coffee with cream and sugar, chances are, you’ll like fruit-forward wines.
• Earthy: Another tasting descriptor, an earthy or savory wine typically has a dry impression on the palate. Prefer your coffee or tea black? Then you’ll enjoy the complexities of earthy wines.
• Body: Wine can be described as light-, medium-, or full-bodied. The wine’s “body” refers to the weight or fullness of the wine on your palate. A quick way to tell the wine’s body is to look at the alcohol content. The higher the alcohol content of the wine, the more full-bodied it likely is.
• Complexity: When a wine is described as complex, it means that the wine presents a variety of scents and flavors. The quality of the grapes will often determine its complexity. Meaning, higher quality grapes results in a wine with a multitude of tastes (or complexity).
• Finish: Describes the residual taste and flavor that lingers on your palate after you have tasted the wine. High-quality wines typically have a longer and more luxurious finish, lasting as long as a minute, if not longer.

Ask for recommendations

If you’re still unsure about what wines to select, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A sommelier at a restaurant or a knowledgeable employee at a local alcohol shop will be more than happy to assist you so that you leave with a satisfying bottle of wine.

Five questions to ask when look for wine suggestions are:

• What’s the occasion? A celebration, for example, typically calls for champagne or sparkling wine.
• What do you like in this price range? Be upfront with your budget as great wines can be found in all price ranges.
• What’s new? This is a good question for when you’re feeling adventurous.
• I’m cooking or eating ____, what do you recommend? This allows the person helping you better narrow wine profiles for the meal or occasion.
• What do you enjoy? The person helping you will have a list of tried-and-tested wines that they enjoy, let them help you expand your palate.

Final advice on selecting the perfect wine

The most important thing to remember when trying to find a great bottle of wine is that it all boils down to preference. Much like buying clothing or selecting perfumes, every person has specific things that suit their mood and preference. Wine is very much the same way.

With that said, don’t be afraid to trial and error your way through the vast world of wine. While wine can be intimidating at first, being open to new experiences will allow you to find a bottle of wine you can proudly recommend to your friends.